Middlesex head coach Richard Scott wants his side to produce a strong final day in their rain-hit County Championship clash with Yorkshire at Headingley.

The defending champions are 108-3 in reply to the home side’s 358, but have seen no fewer than 142 overs lost to the wet weather over the course of the first three days.

Nonetheless, Scott has seen some positive signs in the fight to avoid the drop, saying: “I think we’ve played a good game of cricket so far. I was pleased with the way the bowlers bowled.

“I thought Yorkshire batted well yesterday in some tough conditions. The wicket’s offered assistance to the seamers throughout. But there’s also runs out there.

“It’s been a really good game of cricket so far. Today, I was really pleased with how we put pressure on them and tidied up the tail.

“Robson and Compo, I thought were excellent. It was just a bit frustrating that we lost a wicket just before we came off for bad light on both occasions.

“But I’ve just set the lads a task of having a strong day tomorrow.

“Hopefully the weather will be better and we can build some partnerships and get some points.”

Tim Murtagh finished with 4-77, as Steve Finn, James Harris and James Franklin all nabbed braces.

Compton (42) and Robson (47) put on 73 in reply, before Middlesex lost three quick wickets to Ryan Sidebottom and Yorkshire captain Gary Ballance is hoping his side can get some more from the game on Friday.

He said: “It’s been frustrating, but hopefully we can get some cricket in tomorrow. We want to get as many points as we can. If we can’t get a win, hopefully we can get some good points from the game.

“I was very pleased with the batting. I thought we batted very well on a tough pitch. It was a bit slow and seamed. But everyone put a price on their wicket and got stuck in. It just shows what we can do.

“We all know what a quality bowler Ryan is and how well he’s done for us over the years. We knew from the word go that’s he going to leave big shoes to fill, but we’ve got so many good bowlers. I think we’ll be alright.”